Dr. Miguel Alvelo-Rivera

Get to Know Dr. Miguel Alvelo-Rivera

Dr. Miguel Alvelo-Rivera treats people with mesothelioma and other cancers of the chest at Henry Ford Health. His surgical practice also includes lung and esophageal conditions, such as GERD, and complex procedures involving the lungs and upper digestive tract.

During his specialty training at the University of Pittsburgh, he was part of a surgical team that helped advance minimally invasive surgery for esophageal cancer. His research interests include thoracic cancer management and less invasive approaches to lung surgery. He has also served as a visiting surgeon and lecturer in the United States and internationally, including in Italy, Abu Dhabi, Germany, India, the Netherlands and Argentina.

Dr. Alvelo-Rivera spent 5 years developing a thoracic surgery program in north-central Michigan so people in rural communities could receive specialized care closer to home. He worked to make specialized surgical services more accessible to patients who might otherwise have to travel farther for treatment.

Specialties of Dr. Miguel Alvelo-Rivera

• Cancer surgery
• Esophageal cancer
• Lung and thoracic cancer
• Minimally invasive thoracic surgery
• Pleural mesothelioma
• Thoracic surgery

Dr. Miguel Alvelo-Rivera’s Experience and Medical Education

• Henry Ford Health, Thoracic Surgeon
• MidMichigan Health, Thoracic Surgeon
• Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute
• University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (Fellowship)
• University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (Thoracic Surgery Residency)
• University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (Surgical Oncology Fellowship)
• University of Puerto Rico (Surgery Residency)
• University of Puerto Rico (M.D.)

Awards and Certifications

• American Board of Surgery, Board Certified in Surgery
• American Board of Thoracic Surgery, Board Certified in Thoracic Surgery
• Thoracic Surgery Faculty of the Year, University of Pittsburgh, 2008

Why Choose Dr. Miguel Alvelo-Rivera for Pleural Mesothelioma

Dr. Alvelo-Rivera has extensive experience with complex chest surgery and minimally invasive techniques. His background in thoracic cancer surgery is particularly relevant to people with pleural mesothelioma who may be considering surgery as part of treatment. His experience with lung and esophageal procedures also gives him a broad understanding of the structures and organs within the chest.

He also has a longstanding interest in improving surgical techniques and helping patients make informed decisions about treatment. Dr. Alvelo-Rivera believes people should understand their diagnosis, available options and what to expect during recovery. This emphasis on patient education can help patients have more informed conversations with their care team about the potential benefits and challenges of surgery.

Publications of Dr. Miguel Alvelo-Rivera

• Alvelo-Rivera, M. & P. H. Go. (2016, March). An unusual manifestation of diabetic ketoacidosis. Spontaneous pneumomediastinum. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27020997/
• Alvelo-Rivera M. et al. (2009, September). Neoadjuvant chemotherapy for resectable non-small-cell lung cancer. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19839429/
• Alvelo-Rivera M. et al. (2009, June). Minimally Invasive Surgical Treatment of Sigmoidal Esophagus in Achalasia. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1091255X23052903?via%3Dihub
• Alvelo-Rivera M. et al. (2008, September). Revisional Surgery After Esophagectomy: An Analysis of 43 Patients. Retrieved from https://www.annalsthoracicsurgery.org/article/S0003-4975(08)00946-6/fulltext
• Alvelo-Rivera M. et al. (2008, June). Polyflex Expandable Stents in the Treatment of Esophageal Disease: Initial Experience. Retrieved from https://www.annalsthoracicsurgery.org/article/S0003-4975(08)00243-9/fulltext